Drivers warned after blizzards

Blizzard-like conditions reduced visibility on many roads

Motorists faced hazardous driving conditions and schools closed after the long-forecast blizzards swept across the north-east of England and Cumbria.

Many areas saw the first of the predicted snow on Tuesday night.

But it was on Wednesday morning when blizzard-like conditions came in reducing visibility and making driving conditions dangerous.

Around 100 schools across the North East and Cumbria were closed because of the bad weather.

The runways at Newcastle Airport were closed for around two hours on Wednesday while snow was cleared. They reopened shortly after 1330 GMT.

Three outbound flights to the Isle of Man, Paris and Heathrow were cancelled along with four inbound flights from the same destinations and Aberdeen.

Travel warning

Passengers were advised to check in as normal but be prepared for delays.

Many parts of the region including Sunderland, County Durham and Northumberland and Tyneside saw heavy snow during the course of Wednesday morning.

One of the worst affected areas early on Wednesday was Teesside with Cleveland Police warning people only to travel if necessary.

On Wednesday morning, Yearby Bank and Leven Bank were closed and there was a warning about black ice on the A174 between Skelton and Brotton.

Police warned people to only go out if it was essential.

There were a number of collisions on roads around the region.